Do You Know the Meaning of These Common Southern Phrases?

"I've got a mind to" is a common Southern saying. It means someone is considering something.

"Aren't you precious?" is not typically a compliment. This phrase is usually used sarcastically.

The expression is "stop acting ugly." Ugly usually means "mean."

The expression is "barking up the wrong tree." This means that you are off track or wrong about something.

"Bless your heart" is another one of those Southern sayings that isn't really a compliment. This means that the speaker thinks you are not particularly bright.

The expression is "too big for your britches." This usually means that the speaker thinks you're a bit too proud of yourself.

The phrase is "catty corner." This means "diagonal to."

The expression is "back teeth are floating." This means that you really have to go to the bathroom.

No, it doesn't have anything to do with side dishes, although side dishes may be called "fixins." In this case, "fixin' to" means thinking about doing.

The expression is "fly off the handle." This means that you've lost your temper or gotten ahead of yourself.

The expression is "got the short end of the stick." It means that you got a raw deal or you were cheated.

The expression is "give me some sugar." It means "give me a kiss."

The expression is "good old boy." This is used to describe a rough and tumble, traditional Southern male.

The expression is "she had a hissy fit." A hissy fit is a temper tantrum.

The expression is "give me a holler." This means to give the speaker a call.

The expression is "if the creek don't rise." This is the same as saying "if nothing changes."

The expression is "nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs." As you can imagine, such a cat would be pretty nervous.

The phrase is "off like a herd of turtles." This means that you are off to a slow start.

The expression is "I reckon that's so." If a Southerner says this to you, he/she is actually agreeing with you.

The expression is "rode hard and put away wet." This expression means that someone is tired after working hard.

The expression is to "run with the big dogs." This means that you might be getting in over your head.

The expression is "snake in the grass." Watch out for someone with this reputation - they probably can't be trusted and will strike without warning.

The phrase is "squeeze a quarter so tight the eagle screams." This expression is used to describe someone who is very cheap.

The missing word is "sweeper." Sweeper is Southern for vacuum.

The expression is to "carry on." This refers to someone who is acting foolishly or having a hissy fit.

The expression is "hit upside the head." This means on the head... anywhere really.

The expression is "stomping grounds." The word "stompin'" can also be used. Stomping grounds are another word for home neighborhood.

The expression is "all tore up." This means to be upset about something.

The expression is "doesn't amount to a hill of beans." This means that something is relatively worthless.

The expression is "over yonder." This means "over there," but the "there" in this case is open to interpretation.

The expression is "madder than a wet hen." A wet hen is very mad indeed.

The expression is "till the cows come home." This might take a while.

The expression is "if I had my druthers." This means "if I had my way."

The expression is "full as a tick." Since ticks are known to gorge themselves, this expression means that someone is very, very full.

The expression is "hold your horses." This means to slow down.